YOU'D BETTER GET SOMEONE YOUR LIVING ROOM.A. REDECORATED B. REDECO...

23. You'd better get someone your living room.

A. redecorated B. redecorate C. redecorating. D. to redecorate

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the

correct word orphrasethatbestfits each of the numberedblanksfrom 24 to 28.

HOW TO AVOID MISCOMMUNICATION IN THE WORKPLACE

As a small-business owner, you can avoid many problems simply by improving communication in

your office. By clarifying everyone's expectations and roles, you'll help to (24) greater trust

and increased productivity among employees. Here are a few tips for doing so.

Practice active listening. The art of active listening includes (25) close attention to what

another person is saying, then paraphrasing what you've heard and repeating it back. Concentrate (26)

the conversation at hand and avoid unwanted interruptions (cell phone calls, others

walking into your office, etc.). Take note of how your own experience and values may color your

perception.

Pay attention to non-verbal cues. We don't communicate with words alone. Every conversation

comes with a host of non-verbal cues - facial expressions, body language, etc. - that may (27)

contradict what we're saying. Before addressing a staff member or (28) a

project conference, think carefully about your tone of voice, how you make eye contact, and what

your body is "saying." Be consistent throughout.

Be clear and to the point. Don't cloud instructions or requests with irrelevant details, such as

problems with past projects or issues with long-departed personnel. State what you need and what

you expect. Ask, "Does anyone have any questions?" Demonstrate that you prefer questions up-front

as opposed to misinterpretation later on.